September 17, 2004
4.691 micro-loans approved in 41 days
Bandes rapidly delivers financial loans
(El Universal) - "The Bank of Social and Economical Development of Venezuela (Bandes) wakes up every morning with a long queue full of people from every part of the country.

This is because during the first 7 months of this year it approved 19.633 micro-loans for 427.000 million bolivares. In all that time they have received more than 60.200 interested people, four times more than last year (…)

Amounts solicited are from 5 to 30 million bolivares, even some for 100 million. The purposes of these loans also vary, as well as the people that ask for them. But the common purpose is, of course, having the chance to improve or finally have their own businesses.

Frank Quintana traveled from Villa de Cura, asked for 30 million, and his credit was approved in 45 days. His intention is to start and project in the agro and fish industry, benefiting also another 7 people. "I never asked for a loan, because I never knew of any institution that could help us like that", he said.

On the other hand Isbelia Mencia came from Maracaibo and asked for 5 million to improve her beauty saloon.

The Bank for Social and Economical Development informed that the goal is to surpass 24.000 loans by the end of the year, amount that was already exceeded by giving 24.324 credits".